TIPS FOR JOB INTERVIEWS

J.A OTEGBAYO

UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN & UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN, NIGERIA.

WHAT IT IS• The job interview is a strategic conversation

with a purpose.

• A highly focused professional conversation.

• Interviewer’s goal is to weigh suitability for the job

• Interviewee’s goal is to convince the employer that he/she has the skills, background, and ability to successfully fit into the organization.

• When the 2 goals meet, the deal is sealed.

JOB INTERVIEW TYPES• Involves the interviewer and the interviewee.

• Types:

-One on one

-Panel

-Group

-Phone

-Online

-Employer interviewer

-Contracted interviewer

May be multi-levels: written, oral, practical, etc

JOB INTERVIEW• The interviewer’s interest:

-applicant's experience

-skills

-work history

-availability

-personal attributes for the job

-credentials

-guarantors/referees

The interview gives both the opportunity to exchange enough information to determine if both are a good "fit" for each other.

PREPARING FOR JOB INTERVIEW• Note that most employers do not hire people based on

merit alone.

• Personality, confidence, enthusiasm, a positive outlook, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills count heavily in the selection process.

• See an effective strategy to market yourself (Commodity)

• Know that you can practice and develop an effective interviewing skills.

• Polish your speaking style, mannerisms, poise etc.

• There are things to watch and guard against (colloquialisms/slangs, such as she you know, you know, as in etc.

PREPARING FOR JOB INTERVIEW

3 Phases:

•Before

•During

•After

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW• Background check: Research the profile eg vision,

mission, important dates and events, leadership and hierarchy, type of interview etc

• Learn about the principal officers• Engage people who are currently working there and

tap from their experience.• Think about likely questions eg about your

profession, future career goals, what value you want to add to the institution, why the institution, where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 yrs etc

• Practice with a colleague • Research current affairs and trends in your job sector• Prepare for “do you have any question for us?”

Don’t ask about salary

The day before• Ensure that your clothes and all necessary

documents are kept ready in a folder (Original and copies)

• Go to bed early the day/look rested.

• Pray for favour

On D-day (Before the interview starts)• Wake early/Use alarm if necessary

• Revise a few essentials

• Eat a healthy breakfast.

• Some advocate exercising remove stress and increase blood flow.

• If you are generally nervous or fidgety (employ biofeedback/?drugs)

• Ensure complete credentials with additional copies, including referees report

• Leave anything that can distract eg phone

• Dress well and wear perfume/cologne to smell good

On D-day (Before the interview starts)

Dress formal:

-Women:a skirt suit or trouser/pant suit, dark colour, along with closed toe shoes, subtle makeup and quiet jewelries

-Men: dark-coloured suit and tie with polished shoes.

-Handkerchief could be handy and useful

-Hair styles/Hairdo

-Remember sartorial and tonsorial conservatism

Scoring for appearance

The D-day DURING• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time.• Be courteous, pleasant and respectful to everyone you meet

eg clerks.• (Yes sir or Ma costs you nothing)• First impression counts.• Be confident, smart, friendly and smile modestly• Be attentive and be all ears• Don’t exhibit undue familiarity, even if your godfather is on

the panel• Let your responses be concise, straight to the point, complete

and clear.• Maintain good eye contact with the interviewer(s)• Don’t speak too slow or too fast• Start every answer with Thank you Sir/Ma• Remember your body language is being watched

DURING THE INTERVIEW

• Be positive and look positive

• Show your interest

• Be organized

• Be yourself

• Say thank you sir/ma when departing.

• Be culturally sensitive

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

• Write down specific instructions if given, you may forget

• Always follow up

• Pray for favour

Thank you